How to become a Real Estate Agent in California

How to become a
Real Estate Agent
in California

Get Your Real Estate License in 7 Steps

Choosing a career in real estate as a Real Estate Agent can be rewarding financially and emotionally. You aren’t just an agent– you are an amazing amalgam of talents, gifts, experiences, perspectives, accomplishments and contributions to the lives of others.

We break down what are the exact steps to get your salesperson’s license, in the shortest amount of time possible, with the greatest chance of success!

STEP #1

REQUIREMENTS

What are the requirementsto get your California real estate license? In the state of California, you need to take and successfully complete THREE 45 HOUR courses approved by California BRE. To be eligible to take the California State Exam to get your Salesperson license, you need to present proof of completion certificates for California Real Estate Principles, California Real Estate Practice, and an elective course (totaling the required 135 hours). At the College of Real Estate, we include California Real Estate Finance as that elective course. To satisfactorily pass your pre-licensing courses, you must attend all classes and pass a course final exam. The course final exam will usually mimic the state final exam in content, format, time, and length. A high school diploma or GED is required to apply for a real estate license in all states. Most states require applicants to be 18 years and older, while some require a minimum age of 21. Some states require aspiring agents to complete pre-licensing courses or programs.

STEP #2

THE COURSES

Where can I find the required courses for a CA Real Estate License? The College of Real Estate offers everything you need to qualify to sit for the CA State Exam. Our courses are available as live instruction in the evening and weekends or through correspondence self paced instruction which allows you the convenience to complete the courses when you want and where you want!

STEP #3

THE COST

How much do the courses cost? Compared to the education cost of a 2-year degree (over $30,000) or a 4-year degree (over $80,000), the expenditure to earn your CA real estate license is much, much less. The total cost is about 1% of the college investment mentioned before. In fact, enrollment at the College of Real Estate will cost you lessthan the retail cost of your mobile phone. Also, we have two packages at different costs to ensure that you find the ideal real estate education for both your learning needs and your budget.

STEP #4

THE LOCATION

Because The College of Real Estate offers a self paced correspondence course, you can take your classes anywhere at your own pace, when and where it is convenient for you. Self-paced correspondence has its benefits, but is subject to one BIG limitation: When no instructor is there to help, it is at minimum time-wasting and at maximum frustrating.

Our LiveCourses are held in South Pasadena and are taught byTopProducing,Active,Real Estate Agents, who are not only excellent instructors, but can talk the talk, and walk the walk. Being taught live offers the benefits of face-to-face communication, and really does enhance the whole experience and provides a better learning experience. In addition you develop personal relationship with the faculty and other students.

STEP #5

HOW TO STUDY

The College of Real Estate boasts a 90% pass rate. As a student you will receive3 text books, and a set of 6 digital practice exams. Our instructors teach the best study habits to help you pass your state exam on your first attempt. In addition, theCORE also offers a 2 day weekend crash course.

STEP #6

STATE EXAM

The California Bureau of Real Estatemanages the scheduling of state exams. To see when and where exams are available, please visitwww.dre.ca.gov/Examinees/HowWhereScheduled.html. The cost of the state exams will vary. For up to date pricing on the cost of the stateexams visit : www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/Fees.html. The length of the exam varies from about 1.5 hours to 3.5 hours. You must answer 70% of the questions correct to pass. The state exam will cover the same topics that are covered in your pre-licensing courses. The state exam is a multiple choice exam that test both national real estate principles and laws and state real estate principles and laws.

STEP #7

POST EXAM/COURSE PROCESSING

Upon completion of the course and receipt of your certificates of completion, there is an application process that must be submitted to the California Bureau of Real Estate. An applicant for any real estate license must submit one set of classifiable fingerprints, acceptable to the State Department of Justice (DOJ). An applicant may be fingerprinted after applying for examination or after passing the examination. Fingerprint processing fees are not refunded if applicants do not pass the examination. Social security numbers are required on examination applications to ensure fingerprint reports are received by the CalBRE.

Fingerprints must be submitted electronically through the DOJ’s Live Scan Program which takes and transmits fingerprints to the DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) using the Live Scan Service Request (RE 237) Denotes a PDF document. form. An original license will not be issued until a report from the DOJ and the FBI is received stating that there is no criminal history, or disclosing criminal history information which then must be reviewed and evaluated. See Avoid Potential Denial of Your License Application (RE 229).

The College of Real Estate can assist with the processing of this paperwork even have Mobile Live Scan units visit and complete the fingerprint procedure in class! To see when our next Mobile Live Scan takes place visit our School Calendar.